In this photo provided by the White House, President Barack Obama talks with Personal Secretary Anita Decker Breckenridge in the Outer Oval Office, May 23, 2013.

The White House

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama’s incoming deputy chief of staff, Anita Decker Breckenridge, has been close to the president since his early political days and is known for paying a slightly higher tax rate than her boss.

Ms. Decker Breckenridge, according to White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, will be President Obama’s new deputy chief of staff for operations to succeed Alyssa Mastromonaco, who is leaving for the private sector in the coming weeks.

Though she’s operated mostly behind the scenes, Ms. Decker Breckenridge garnered some public attention in 2012 when the White House said she paid a higher tax rate than Mr. Obama.

At that time she was Mr. Obama’s secretary and the White House was trying to gain support for a new tax rule that would require millionaires to pay a 30% overall federal tax rate. Her salary was $95,000 a year and, according to the White House, she paid a higher tax rate than Mr. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama despite earning substantially less.

Ms. Decker Breckenridge oversaw all of Mr. Obama’s regional offices in downstate Illinois when he was a senator and managed his Springfield, Ill., announcement that he was running from president in 2007. She was born and raised in Kenilworth, Ill.

She is currently an personal assistant to the president and her new role includes a broad portfolio. She’ll be responsible for helping select cabinet secretaries and candidates for White House boards and commissions. She’ll also have to work directly with cabinet secretaries on their appointments and the Secret Service on security matters.

Mr. McDonough, in a written statement, said Ms. Decker Breckenridge is someone who “not only has the complete trust of the President but has given him candid counsel for years.” He added, “She has impeccable judgment, extraordinary foresight, and the battle-tested resolve to help lead this White House for the next three years.”

Mr. McDonough also said Ms. Mastromonaco’s departure, after working at the president’s side for 10 years, will be felt in all corners of the White House. “Alyssa is results-driven – but people-focused – and always puts the country’s interests first,” he said.

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